How do you discover your philosophy of music education?

[Bob]

How do you nail it down?  I suppose by continuing to try.  And keep trying.

I find I have a few ideas that offend other teachers sometimes.

And then even if when you write something down, that's not necessarily what you do in real life...

hmm...

[pianistimo]

that's a good point!  there are so many books - but only so much time.  and, certain things work for certain students, and others for others.  i think the biggest thing i learned teaching piano (and mentoring reading) is to not try to explain too much or do too much FOR students.  and, to occasionally ask them to repeat back to you what they thought you said.  communication is funny  - because to one person (culture, whatever) one thing sounds one way - and to another another way.  so you have to speak their language - and then slowly move them into more musical language (terms) or connect. 

another thing i've learned is not to skip any steps.  to go as slow as you need to and forget those teachers that seem to have whiz kids.  it's not always about being the fastest or the greatest - but just understanding what you are doing, and being able to transfer your skills to the next piece and add to it. 

with very young children, the larger the notes - the better. 

all in all, my philosophy is pragmatic. whatever works for the individual student.  one size doesn't fit all.

[oksanapianist]

Hey Bob-

My philosophy is that my kids learn much more than just piano. I use music as a means to set them up for success. By getting them ready for performances-they learn success on stage, and by learning success, they learn self confidence, self esteem, leadership skills, etc. which will carry into other facets of their lives. In addition to preparing them to play well- I also prepare them to fail- if it happens. No performance is note perfect and anyone one student can easily have a slip of the finger and fall off tracks. I coach my kids to get back on track without a flinch and up to this point- all of my recitals have been pretty successful. When clients interview me to be their child's music educator, this is my philosophy I always uphold. I don't have any kids that are whizzes on the piano- and don't expect any one of them to go on with music- but my students are very good- and display wonderful stage presence and perseverance to go on if something unexpected happens on stage or in the classroom. I work with them on confidence as that is the one attribute they will need to trully attain their dreams, wheatever they may be. I hope this gives you some ideas. Basically, I give them the tools with which they will draw on for success in life- and that tool is music education applied on the piano.

[penguinlover]

I think what Oksanapianst said was absolutely correct.  We not only teach piano, but music, music appreciation, and the individual person.  We also teach them how to practice, for without practice, nothing gets done.  Without music appreciation, practice doesn't get done.   Anyway, back to the topic.  I think this forum is great for broadening our philosophies and defining them.  Maybe something you have always thought but couldn't put into words is said (and said much more eloquently) than you thought possible.  Anyway, reading the forum has helped me rethink my philosophy somewhat. Sometimes it required changes, sometimes it is reaffirming that I am on the right track.  Does that make any sense?

[m1469]

My general philosophy is that each person already has within them, who and what they are and will ever be.  I am not trying to make them into anybody/something they are not, but I aim to help them become more aware.  That's the basic philosophy.

As a teacher, I do have goals, however.  I aim to set them up for success and build confidence much like oksana describes.  But also, since there is much more going on than mere piano teaching, I aim to help bring cohesiveness to their piano experience from every aspect of their life that can be imagined.  My goal is to have them feel as though, when they go to the piano to play, their whole life and entire being makes sense, and that they as an entire person have a place on the bench in front of those wonderful 88's .    Freedom.

With kids, I aim to help them see the piano as an oasis and steady rock throughout their growing up.  Or at least to nurture that inner space within themselves which can be explored at the piano.  The world may spin around them, but the piano is always there, no matter what.  And they will find themself, over and over again, sitting there playing piano's wonderful tones.

With adults, it is a similar things I wish for them to find.  But, I also aim to help them see how everything they have included within their life prior to picking up the piano, has only added to their piano experience.  Everything they have done, has led up to them learning the piano, and can be used in some way.

Like anything else, I arrive at "conclusions" based on what works and what does not.


m1469

[cora]

After many years of refining my philosophy, I would say my objective is to impart the enjoyment of being detailed, and creating thoughtful music. My hope is to keep them playing piano for as long as I can.

My personal goals for teaching are another matter. I like to develop close friendships with children, and for them to see me as a role model. Some day, I would like to command the highest possible salary for what I do.